Showering assistance device

ABSTRACT

A showering assistance device that enables a user to adjust the height of the showerhead through an accessible height adjustment mechanism is discussed. The showering assistance device also allows a user to adjust the circumferential or lateral position of the showerhead with respect to the seat upon which the user is sitting via an angle adjustment mechanism.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to, and claims the benefit of, U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/932,419 entitled “ShoweringAssistance Device”, filed Jan. 28, 2014, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Many people suffer disabilities or otherwise have limitations that makeit difficult for them to shower. Some people are unsteady on their feetor are unable to stand for very long making it difficult and/or unsafefor them to stand for the duration of a shower. Many of these peoplealso have limited range of motion or only have use of one arm making itdifficult for them to position the showerhead or wash their hair orback. A common solution tried by people in this situation is to use ashower stool or chair together with a handheld showerhead. The showerstool allows them to sit while they are showering and they can directthe water with the handheld showerhead. Unfortunately this solution hasmany limitations, drawbacks and inadequacies.

People with a limited range of motion or who only have the use of onearm cannot direct a handheld showerhead to wash their hair or back sincethey are unable to position the handheld showerhead appropriately orcannot hold the showerhead and wash simultaneously. It is common forthese people to let the handheld showerhead dangle from the hose on theshower floor while they use a long-handled brush or sponge to wash.During this time, people get cold since they are not being warmed by theshower water. Frequently the dangling showerhead sprays water around ashower curtain causing a mess on the bathroom floor and presenting aslip hazard when the person exits the shower. To continue showering,people must reach down to pick up the showerhead which could throw themoff balance and result in a fall or other injury.

As a solution to the dangling showerhead problem there are showerheadpositioning and holding devices available. The most common of theseproducts is a showerhead holder that slides up and down a vertical poleor track. There are many commercial products and patented variants ofthis concept including: U.S. Pat. No. 5,870,781 Adjustable shower tracksystem, Feb. 16, 1999, Williams; U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,089 Combinedsliding rail with support for height-adjustable shower, Oct. 12, 2004,Cropelli; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,093,309 Shower-fixture holder, Aug. 22,2006, Kollmann et al. These sliding holders typically need to bepermanently installed and thus require someone to do the installationand can also be expensive. In addition they do not provide forpositioning of the showerhead to the back of the user—a significantlimitation and problem—and, for people with limited mobility, theshowerhead may not be able to be raised high enough for washing hair.Another type of showerhead holder mounts to a grab-bar or adheres to theshower wall with a suction cup type mount. There are also manycommercial products and patented variants of this concept including:U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,751 Suction cup support particularly for a showerhead with handle affixed to a shower hose, Apr. 8, 1986, Panzer; andU.S. Pat. No. 7,293,302 Showerhead Holder, Nov. 3, 2007, Mesa. Thesetypes of devices provide more flexibility in the placement of theshowerhead; however, they are not easily moved or repositioned. Intheory these devices can be mounted above or behind the user, but if theuser has limited mobility he/she may not be able to place the showerheadin the holder in those locations. Even worse, in an attempt to reach theholder, the user could fall or otherwise be injured.

Due to the lack of a suitable showerhead positioning and holding device,many people attempt to turn their body on the shower stool to align theshower spray with different parts of their body. This is a riskypractice that could throw them off balance and result in a fall or otherinjury. Recognizing that positioning the body on a shower stool can bean issue, manufacturers offer shower stools with rotating seats. Mabeyteaches of such a rotating shower seat in U.S. Pat. No. 6,164,722.Unfortunately these products also have significant drawbacks andinadequacies. A standard tub/shower is not large enough for a seateduser to turn completely. Motion is very limited and does not allow theuser to position their back to the shower spray. The fact that the seatturns easily could result in inadequate stability for some people andpossibly lead to a fall or other injury. A shower stool with a rotatingseat is really only usable in a large shower stall—not the typical usersituation—and even then must be used carefully.

Other solutions for assisting those with disabilities in showering havealso been proposed. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,150,445 Bailey teaches a means towash the seated areas of a user seated on the shower chair. In U.S. Pat.No. 4,160,292 Kuether et al teaches of a means to run water through abath chair along the back, sides, arms and thighs of the user. In U.S.Pat. No. 6,842,919 Wilson et al teaches of a shower chair withintegrated water dispersing holes and movable side flaps. All of thesesolutions control the way water is directed to the user and do not givethe user the flexibility and control of a typical showering experience.People are used to standing under a showerhead and moving their bodiesto direct the spray.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide a showering assistancedevice usable in a standard tub, shower or tub/shower combination thatallows a user to shower in a seated position. The showering assistancedevice provides a stable seating surface and holds and positions ashowerhead for hands-free washing. The showering assistance deviceenables a user to adjust the height of the showerhead through anaccessible height adjustment mechanism. Further, the showeringassistance device of the present invention also allows a user to adjustthe circumferential or lateral position of the showerhead with respectto the seat upon which the user is sitting via an angle adjustmentmechanism.

In accordance with one embodiment, a showering assistance deviceincludes a seat configured to provide a seating surface for a user andtwo or more supports or legs configured to contact the surface of a tub,a shower or a combination tub and shower and to provide support for theshowering assistance device. The showering assistance device alsoincludes an adjustment rod and an attached showerhead holder that incombination are configured to support and hold a showerhead.Additionally, the showering assistance device includes a heightadjustment mechanism configured to enable a user to adjust the height ofthe adjustment rod and showerhead holder and an angle adjustmentmechanism configured to enable the user to adjust the circumferential orlateral position of the adjustment rod and showerhead holder withrespect to the seat.

According to another embodiment, a height adjustment mechanism foradjusting the height of a showerhead in a showering assistance deviceincludes a telescoping or sliding assembly in which a structure slideson or within another and a showerhead holder attached to the telescopingassembly. The height adjustment mechanism also includes a showerheadholder configured to hold a handheld or integrated showerhead and ahandle configured to enable a user to extend or contract the telescopingassembly in order to adjust the height of the showerhead holder.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, an angle adjustment mechanismfor adjusting the circumferential position of a showerhead with respectto a seat in a showering assistance device includes a disk or ringconfigured to rotate about the seat and a rod or telescoping assemblyattached to the disk or ring. The angle adjustment mechanism alsoincludes a showerhead holder attached to the rod or telescopingassembly. The showerhead holder is configured to hold a handheld orintegrated showerhead.

In an embodiment, an angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting thelateral position of a showerhead with respect to a seat in a showeringassistance device includes an adjustment arm that pivots about a fixedpoint. The adjustment arm is configured to be movable by a user. Theangle adjustment mechanism further includes a rod or telescopingassembly attached to the adjustment arm a showerhead holder attached tothe rod or telescoping assembly. The showerhead holder is configured tohold a handheld or integrated showerhead.

In one embodiment, a height and angle adjustment mechanism for adjustingwith the same handle the height and circumferential position of ashowerhead with respect to a seat in a showering assistance deviceincludes a swing arm pivoting about a fixed location and a rod passingthrough a channel or guide mechanism on the swing arm. The height andangle adjustment mechanism also includes a showerhead holder attached tothe rod. The showerhead holder is configured to hold a handheld orintegrated showerhead. The height and angle adjustment mechanism furtherincludes a handle assembly attached to the swing arm and the rod. Thehandle assembly is configured to pivot at the swing arm attachment pointand the rod attachment point, enable a user to adjust the height of theshowerhead holder by raising and lowering the handle assembly, andenable a user to adjust the circumferential position of the showerheadholder with respect to a seat in the shower assistance device by movingthe handle assembly from side to side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of theinvention and, together with the description, help to explain theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is an illustrative depiction of a device to provide showeringassistance according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is an illustrative depiction of a device to provide showeringassistance according to the teachings of the present invention shownwith a top view.

FIG. 2A is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device ofFIGS. 1A and 1B according to the teachings of the present invention froma side view with the vertical adjustment in the lowered position.

FIG. 2B is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device ofFIGS. 1A and 1B according to the teachings of the present invention froma side view with the vertical adjustment in the raised position.

FIG. 3A is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device ofFIGS. 1A and 1B according to the teachings of the present invention froma side view showing horizontal adjustment.

FIG. 3B is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device ofFIGS. 1A and 1B according to the teachings of the present invention froma top view showing horizontal adjustment.

FIG. 4A is an illustrative depiction of the device of FIGS. 1A and 1Baccording to the teachings of the present invention shown in atub/shower from a top view.

FIG. 4B is an illustrative depiction of the device of FIGS. 1A and 1Baccording to the teachings of the present invention shown in atub/shower from a side view.

FIG. 5A is an illustrative depiction of an alternative embodiment of adevice to provide showering assistance according to the teachings of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5B is an illustrative depiction of an alternative embodiment of adevice to provide showering assistance according to the teachings of thepresent invention shown with a top view.

FIG. 6A is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device ofFIGS. 5A and 5B according to the teachings of the present invention froma side view with the vertical adjustment in the lowered position.

FIG. 6B is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device ofFIGS. 5A and 5B according to the teachings of the present invention froma side view with the vertical adjustment in the raised position.

FIG. 7A is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device ofFIGS. 5A and 5B according to the teachings of the present invention froma side view showing horizontal adjustment.

FIG. 7B is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device ofFIGS. 5A and 5B according to the teachings of the present invention froma top view showing horizontal adjustment.

FIG. 8A is an illustrative depiction of the device of FIGS. 5A and 5Baccording to the teachings of the present invention shown in atub/shower from a top view.

FIG. 8B is an illustrative depiction of the device of FIGS. 5A and 5Baccording to the teachings of the present invention shown in atub/shower from a side view.

FIG. 9A is an illustrative depiction of yet another embodiment of adevice to provide showering assistance according to the teachings of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9B is an illustrative depiction of yet another embodiment of adevice to provide showering assistance according to the teachings of thepresent invention shown with a top view.

FIG. 10A is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device ofFIGS. 9A and 9B according to the teachings of the present invention froma side view with the vertical adjustment in the lowered position.

FIG. 10B is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device ofFIGS. 9A and 9B according to the teachings of the present invention froma side view with the vertical adjustment in the raised position.

FIG. 11A is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device ofFIGS. 9A and 9B according to the teachings of the present invention froma side view showing horizontal adjustment.

FIG. 11B is an illustrative depiction of a person using the device ofFIGS. 9A and 9B according to the teachings of the present invention froma top view showing horizontal adjustment.

FIG. 12A is an illustrative depiction of the device of FIGS. 9A and 9Baccording to the teachings of the present invention shown in atub/shower from a top view.

FIG. 12B is an illustrative depiction of the device of FIGS. 9A and 9Baccording to the teachings of the present invention shown in atub/shower from a side view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrative embodiments of the present invention provide showeringassistance devices that are usable in a standard tub/shower. Embodimentsallow the user to easily shower in a seated position; provide a stableseating surface; hold and position a shower head; free the user's handsfor washing; can be used/operated with one hand; do not require the userto reach or stretch excessively; provide a familiar showering method;allow the user to shower without getting his/her hair wet if desired;and do not require permanent installation.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict different views of one embodiment of a showeringassistance device 100 suitable for practicing an illustrative embodimentof the present invention. According to this embodiment, the showeringassistance device 100 has a seat 101 upon which a user sits. In thisembodiment, showering assistance device 100 has three support legs 102that attach to seat 101 although the device could have less or more legsor supports. Some of the supports may rest against the side wall of theshower or tub. Leg extensions 103 may slide inside of support legs 102and lock into different positions allowing for adjustment of the heightof seat 101 to accommodate different users. Alternatively, legextensions 103 may slide on the outside of support legs 102 or anadjustable seat post may be used to adjust the height of seat 101.According to this embodiment, shelf 109 is attached to support legs 102adding more rigidity to showering assistance device 100 and providingthe user with a convenient place to store items. In this embodiment,showering assistance device 100 has an adjustment ring 110 which theuser can rotate around seat 101. A rod holder 108 is attached to, orintegrated into adjustment ring 110. According to this embodiment, asupport rod 107 is attached to rod holder 108 and an adjustment rod 105slides over support rod 107. The adjustment rod 105 may also slide alongthe side of support rod 107 utilizing guides, a track, or othermechanism. The term rod is used in a non-limiting sense and may be ani-beam, square beam, round tubing, oval tubing, or any other suitablestructure. Showerhead holder 104 is attached to, and can be moved up anddown, adjustment rod 105 and holds a showerhead for the user. Theshowerhead could be a separate handheld showerhead or a showerhead maybe integrated into showering assistance device 100. In this embodiment,an adjustment handle 106 is attached to adjustment rod 105 and allowsthe user to slide adjustment rod 105 up and down and lock it inposition. The locking mechanism may be a latch, a clamp, a frictiondevice, or other mechanism for holding adjustment rod 105 in place.According to this embodiment, a user can adjust the vertical position(i.e. height) of a showerhead by operating adjustment handle 106 and canadjust the circumferential position of the showerhead with respect tothe seat 101 upon which the user is sitting by rotating adjustment ring110. The movement of the adjustment ring 110 allows the showerhead tomove in a circular motion around the user without the user having tochange positions and therefore allows the user to receive water fromdifferent directions and angles.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a user 200 sitting on and using the showeringassistance device 100 that is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. In thisembodiment a showerhead 300 is located in shower holder 104 (hose notshown). Showerhead 300 could be a separate, handheld showerhead or ashowerhead built into the device. According to this embodiment, legextensions 103 are adjusted to provide a comfortable seating positionfor user 200. Showerhead holder 104 is positioned on adjustment rod 105such that the user 200 can place a handheld showerhead 300 into theshowerhead holder 104 without reaching above shoulder height. Thisinitial positioning of showerhead holder 104 allows a user 200 withlimited mobility to use showering assistance device 100 and alsoprovides the ability for user 200 to shower without getting his/her hairwet if so desired. In this embodiment, user 200 positions the height ofshowerhead 300 using adjustment handle 106. User 200 can raiseshowerhead 300 above his/her head without reaching above shoulderheight. Adjustment handle 106 latches in place freeing the hands of user200 for washing and other showering activities.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show additional views of a user 200 sitting on and usingthe showering assistance device 100 that is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and1B. In this embodiment, showering assistance device 100 is setup asdescribed for FIGS. 2A and 2B above. According to this embodiment, user200 adjusts the circumferential position of showerhead 300 with respectto the seat 101 (and user 200) by rotating adjustment ring 110. User 200can adjust the position of showerhead 300 around his/her side or backwithout reaching behind his/her body allowing a user 200 with limitedmobility to use the device. Once rotated, adjustment ring 110 stays inposition freeing the hands of user 200 for washing and other showeringactivities.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show the showering assistance device 100 that isillustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B located in a standard tub/shower 400.According to this embodiment, showering assistance device 100 rests onthe floor of tub/shower base 403 and is sized to fit within thedimensions of a standard 30″ tub/shower base 403. In this embodimentshowering assistance device 100 is also designed such that it does notinterfere with tub/shower wall 401 or get hung up with tub/showercurtain 402. Showering assistance device 100 could also be sized for usein larger tub/shower base and could also be sized larger to be morecomfortable for larger users.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict views of another embodiment of a showeringassistance device 100 suitable for practicing an illustrative embodimentof the present invention. According to this embodiment, the showeringassistance device 100 has a seat 101 upon which a user sits. In thisembodiment, showering assistance device 100 has three support legs 102that attach to seat 101 although the device may have less or more legsor supports. Some of the supports may rest against the side wall of theshower or tub. Leg extensions 103 may slide inside of support legs 102and lock into different positions allowing for adjustment of the heightof seat 101 to accommodate different users. Alternatively, legextensions 103 may slide on the outside of support legs 102 or anadjustable seat post may be used to adjust the height of seat 101. Inthis embodiment, showering assistance device 100 has a multi-adjustmenthandle 112 which is attached to adjustment rod 105 and swing arm 111,and pivots at those points. The term rod is used in a non-limiting senseand may refer to an i-beam, square beam, round tubing, oval tubing, orany other suitable structure. Swing arm 111 is located on one of thesupport legs 102 and can turn on that support leg 102. Swing arm 111 mayalso be located on a separate support structure. According to thisembodiment, adjustment rod 105 passes through a collar which is part of,or attached to, swing arm 111 and is attached to multi-adjustment handle112 near the collar of swing arm 111. In this embodiment both theadjustment rod 105 and collar of swing arm 111 are curved allowingadjustment rod 105 to move in an arch. Multi-adjustment handle 112 has atelescoping means that allow the length of multi-adjustment handle 112to change to account for the different radius of motion of adjustmentrod 105 and multi-adjustment handle 112. Showerhead holder 104 isattached to, and can be moved up and down, adjustment rod 105 and holdsa showerhead for the user. The showerhead may be a separate handheldshowerhead or a showerhead may be integrated into showering assistancedevice 100. According to this embodiment, a user can adjust the verticalposition (i.e. height) of a showerhead by raising or loweringmulti-adjustment handle 112 and can adjust the circumferential positionof the showerhead by moving multi-adjustment handle 112 side-to-sidewhich allows water to flow onto the user from a different horizontalangle.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a user 200 sitting on and using the showeringassistance device 100 that is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. In thisembodiment a showerhead 300 (hose not shown) is located in shower holder104. Showerhead 300 could be a separate, handheld showerhead or ashowerhead built into the device. According to this embodiment, legextensions 103 are adjusted to provide a comfortable seating positionfor user 200. Showerhead holder 104 is positioned on adjustment rod 105such that the user 200 can place a handheld showerhead 300 into theshowerhead holder 104 without reaching above shoulder height. Thisinitial positioning of showerhead holder 104 allows a user 200 withlimited mobility to use showering assistance device 100 and alsoprovides the ability for user 200 to shower without getting his/her hairwet if so desired. In this embodiment, user 200 positions the height ofshowerhead 300 by raising or lowering multi-adjustment handle 112. User200 can raise showerhead 300 above his/her head while keeping his/herhands at a comfortable, natural position. Once moved, multi-adjustmenthandle 112 stays in place freeing the hands of user 200 for washing andother showering activities. A latch, a clamp, a friction device, orother mechanism may be utilized to holding adjustment rod 105 in place.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show additional views of a user 200 sitting on and usingthe showering assistance device 100 that is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and5B. In this embodiment, showering assistance device 100 is setup asdescribed for FIGS. 6A and 6B above. According to this embodiment, user200 adjusts the angle of showerhead 300 by moving multi-adjustmenthandle 112 side to side to change the circumferential position of theshowerhead with respect to the seat 101 and user 200. User 200 cantherefore adjust the angle of water from showerhead 300 around his/herside or back without reaching behind his/her body allowing a user 200with limited mobility to use the device. Once adjusted, multi-adjustmenthandle 112 stays in position freeing the hands of user 200 for washingand other showering activities.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show the showering assistance device 100 that isillustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B located in a standard tub/shower 400.According to this embodiment, showering assistance device 100 rests onthe floor of tub/shower base 403 and is sized to fit within thedimensions of a standard tub/shower base 403. In this embodimentshowering assistance device 100 is also designed such that it does notinterfere with tub/shower wall 401 or get hung up with tub/showercurtain 402. Showering assistance device 100 may also be sized for usein larger tub/shower base and may also be sized larger to be morecomfortable for larger users.

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict two different views of yet another embodiment ofa showering assistance device 100 suitable for practicing anillustrative embodiment of the present invention. According to thisembodiment, the showering assistance device 100 has a seat 101 uponwhich a user sits. In this embodiment, showering assistance device 100has three support legs 102 that attach to seat 101 although the devicecould have less or more legs or supports. Some of the supports couldrest against the side wall of the shower or tub. Leg extensions 103 mayslide inside of support legs 102 and lock into different positionsallowing for adjustment of the height of seat 101 to accommodatedifferent users. Alternatively, leg extensions 103 may slide on theoutside of support legs 102 or an adjustable seat post may be used toadjust the height of seat 101. According to this embodiment, shelf 109is attached to support legs 102 adding more rigidity to showeringassistance device 100 and providing the user with a convenient place tostore items. In this embodiment, a bracket 115 is attached to, or is anintegral feature of, seat 101. According to this embodiment, anadjustment arm 113 has a shaft that passes through bracket 115 and issecured on the opposite side with attachment plate 114. Adjustment arm113 pivots around its shaft. A person versed in the art will understandthat other pivoting mechanisms may be utilized to allow adjustment arm113 to pivot. In this embodiment, a support rod 107 is attached toadjustment arm 113 and an adjustment rod 105 slides over support rod107. The adjustment rod 105 could also slide along the side of supportrod 107 utilizing guides or a track. The term rod is used in anon-limiting sense and may refer to an i-beam, square beam, roundtubing, oval tubing, or any other suitable structure. Showerhead holder104 is attached to, and may be moved up and down, adjustment rod 105 andholds a showerhead for the user. The showerhead may be a separatehandheld showerhead or a showerhead could be integrated into showeringassistance device 100. According to this embodiment, an adjustmenthandle 106 is attached to adjustment rod 105 and allows the user toslide adjustment rod 105 up and down and lock it in position. Thelocking mechanism could be a latch, a clamp, a friction device, or othermechanism for holding adjustment rod 105 in place. According to thisembodiment, a user can adjust the vertical position (i.e. height) of ashowerhead by operating adjustment handle 106 and can adjust thehorizontal/lateral position of the showerhead by raising or loweringadjustment arm 113.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show a user 200 sitting on and using the showeringassistance device 100 that is illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. In thisembodiment a showerhead 300 (hose not shown) is located in shower holder104. Showerhead 300 may be a separate, handheld showerhead or ashowerhead built into the device. According to this embodiment, legextensions 103 are adjusted to provide a comfortable seating positionfor user 200. Showerhead holder 104 is positioned on adjustment rod 105such that the user 200 can place a handheld showerhead 300 into theshowerhead holder 104 without reaching above shoulder height. Thisinitial positioning of showerhead holder 104 allows a user 200 withlimited mobility to use showering assistance device 100 and alsoprovides the ability for user 200 to shower without getting his/her hairwet if so desired. In this embodiment, user 200 positions the height ofshowerhead 300 using adjustment handle 106. User 200 can raiseshowerhead 300 above his/her head without reaching above shoulderheight. Once moved, adjustment handle 106 stays in place freeing thehands of user 200 for washing and other showering activities.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show additional views of a user 200 sitting on andusing the showering assistance device 100 that is illustrated in FIGS.9A and 9B. In this embodiment, showering assistance device 100 is setupas described for FIGS. 10A and 10B above. According to this embodiment,user 200 adjusts the lateral position of showerhead 300 by raising orlowering adjustment arm 113. User 200 can adjust the lateral position ofshowerhead 300 around his/her side or back without reaching behindhis/her body thereby allowing a user 200 with limited mobility to usethe device. Once moved, adjustment arm 113 stays in position freeing thehands of user 200 for washing and other showering activities. A latch, aclamp, a friction device, or other mechanism could be utilized to holdadjustment arm 113 in place.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show the showering assistance device 100 that isillustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B located in a standard tub/shower 400.According to this embodiment, showering assistance device 100 rests onthe floor of tub/shower base 403 and is sized to fit within thedimensions of a standard tub/shower base 403. In this embodimentshowering assistance device 100 is also designed such that it does notinterfere with tub/shower wall 401 or get hung up with tub/showercurtain 402. Showering assistance device 100 may also be sized for usein larger tub/shower base and could also be sized larger to be morecomfortable for larger users.

Since certain changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present invention, it is intended that all matter contained in theabove description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpretedas illustrative and not in a literal sense. Practitioners of the artwill realize that the architectures depicted in the figures may bealtered without departing from the scope of the present invention andthat the illustrations contained herein are singular examples of amultitude of possible depictions of the present invention.

The foregoing description of example embodiments of the inventionprovides illustration and description, but is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.Modifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention and featuresfrom the described embodiments may be combined in a manner notspecifically illustrated herein without departing from the scope of thepresent invention.

We claim:
 1. A showering assistance device comprising: a seat configuredto provide a seating surface for a user; two or more supports or legsconfigured to contact the surface of a tub, a shower or a combinationtub and shower and to provide support for the showering assistancedevice; an adjustment rod and an attached showerhead holder that incombination are configured to support and hold a showerhead; a heightadjustment mechanism configured to enable a user to adjust the height ofthe adjustment rod and showerhead holder; and an angle adjustmentmechanism configured to enable the user to adjust the circumferential orlateral position of the adjustment rod and showerhead holder withrespect to the seat.
 2. The showering assistance device of claim 1wherein the device is sized to fit a tub, a shower or a combination tuband shower.
 3. The showering assistance device of claim 1 wherein theheight adjustment mechanism further includes: a telescoping assembly;and an adjustment handle.
 4. The showering assistance device of claim 3wherein the angle adjustment mechanism further includes: a disk or ringconfigured to rotate about the seat, a rod holder attached to the diskor ring; and a support rod in contact with the adjustment rod and therod holder.
 5. The showering assistance device of claim 3 wherein theangle adjustment mechanism further includes: a swing arm.
 6. Theshowering assistance device of claim 1 wherein the angle adjustmentmechanism further includes: a disk or ring configured to rotate aboutthe seat, and a support rod in contact with the adjustment rod.
 7. Theshowering assistance device of claim 1 wherein the height adjustmentmechanism further includes: a rod configured to slide through or on aguide.
 8. The showering assistance device of claim 7 wherein the angleadjustment mechanism further includes: a swing arm.
 9. The showeringassistance device of claim 1 wherein the angle adjustment mechanismfurther includes: a swing arm.
 10. The showering assistance device ofclaim 1, further comprising: a seat adjustment mechanism configured toallow the adjustment of the height of the seat to accommodate differentusers.
 11. The showering assistance device of claim 1, furthercomprising: a multi-adjustment handle configured to enable a user toadjust both the height and lateral position of the showerhead viamanipulation of the handle.
 12. The showering assistance device of claim1 wherein the showerhead is an showerhead integrated into the showeringassistance device.
 13. The showering assistance device of claim 1wherein the showerhead is a separate handheld showerhead.
 14. A heightadjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of a showerhead in ashowering assistance device comprising: a telescoping or slidingassembly in which a structure slides on or within another; a showerheadholder attached to the telescoping assembly, the showerhead holderconfigured to hold a handheld or integrated showerhead; and a handleconfigured to enable a user to extend or contract the telescopingassembly in order to adjust the height of the showerhead holder.
 15. Anangle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the circumferential position ofa showerhead with respect to a seat in a showering assistance device,comprising: a disk or ring configured to rotate about the seat; a rod ortelescoping assembly attached to the disk or ring; and a showerheadholder attached to the rod or telescoping assembly, the showerheadholder configured to hold a handheld or integrated showerhead.
 16. Anangle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the lateral position of ashowerhead with respect to a seat in a showering assistance devicecomprising: an adjustment arm that pivots about a fixed point, theadjustment arm configured to be movable by a user; a rod or telescopingassembly attached to the adjustment arm; and a showerhead holderattached to the rod or telescoping assembly, the showerhead holderconfigured to hold a handheld or integrated showerhead.
 17. A height andangle adjustment mechanism for adjusting with the same handle the heightand circumferential position of a showerhead with respect to a seat in ashowering assistance device comprising: a swing arm pivoting about afixed location; a rod passing through a channel or guide mechanism onthe swing arm; a showerhead holder attached to the rod, the showerheadholder configured to hold a handheld or integrated showerhead; and ahandle assembly attached to the swing arm and the rod, the handleassembly configured to: pivot at the swing arm attachment point and therod attachment point, enable a user to adjust the height of theshowerhead holder by raising and lowering the handle assembly, andenable a user to adjust the circumferential position of the showerheadholder with respect to a seat in the shower assistance device by movingthe handle assembly from side to side.